SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article
Front. Physiol.
Sec. Exercise Physiology
The Effect of Plyometric Complex Training on Lower Limb Explosive Power in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Provisionally accepted
- 1Sichuan International Studies Vocational College, Chengdu, China
- 2Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- 3Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
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Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of plyometric-resistance complex traini ng (PT) on lower limb explosive power in adolescents and to explore the moderating role of diffe rent training variables. Methods: Eight databases, including CNKI, PubMed, and Web of Science, were systematically sea rched. Studies were screened according to predefined inclusion, exclusion, and quality assessment c riteria. Data were analyzed using STATA 17.0 and Review Manager 5.4. Results: A total of 11 studies involving 311 participants were included. The meta-analysis showed that PT significantly improved countermovement jump (CMJ) height (MD=2.20, 95% CI: 1.46–2.9 5, P<0.00001) and squat jump (SJ) height (MD=2.13, 95% CI: 1.32–2.94, P<0.00001). For sprint p erformance, PT yielded significant improvements in 20 m sprint time (MD=–0.10, 95% CI: –0.18 to –0.01, P<0.05), whereas the improvement in 10 m sprint performance was not statistically signific ant. Subgroup analysis indicated that an intervention duration of ≥8 weeks was a key factor for a chieving significant effects. Conclusion: Plyometric-resistance Complex training is useful in improving lower-limb explosive po wer in teenagers. For best results, training programs should consider adolescents' physiological char acteristics and use protocols that run at least eight weeks, with 2-3 sessions each week, each lasti ng 20-30 minutes and separated by 1-2 minutes of rest between sets. The emphasis should be on increasing jumping ability and short-distance sprint performance.
Keywords: plyometric complex training, adolescents, lower limb explosive power, Meta-analysis, Stretch-shortening cycle
Received: 30 Sep 2025; Accepted: 10 Nov 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Zhang, 叶 and Wu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: 星 叶, xingye_edu@163.com
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